Flat end head made of polymer material

ABSTRACT

Flat end head with a mounting section for the flat rod and at least one sliding surface for progressive movement on a sliding guide of a card said sliding guide consisting of a polymer material.

[0001] The present invention relates to a flat end head of a flat rod for a revolving flat of a card.

[0002] In cards of the respective category a multiplicity of flat rods are led on a sliding guide over the card drum. This arrangement is also called revolving flats. They are connected by an endless component, for example a belt or a chain, and are moved by a drive means. Both the flat rods and the tambour have a clothing, for example fine needles or in the form of a saw tooth, both of which are reciprocally effecting one another for the cleaning and the parallelizing of the fibres. In order to achieve a carding result, it is particularly important that the distances between the flat rods and the card drum, and/or the distance of the clothing points, are maintained accurately. The carding gap between the two clothings is a few tenths of millimetres at the most.

[0003] The flat rods comprise a flat end head each at their ends. The flat end head has a mounting section for the mounting with the end of the flat rod and at least one sliding surface. Usually the flat end head furthermore has a device, for example a recess, in order to attach the endless component. An example of such a combination, consisting of the flat rod, an endless component, and the flat end head is disclosed in the patent specification EP0 627,507 B1.

[0004] The sliding surfaces of the flat end heads are at the same time the surfaces with which the entire flat rod rests on the sliding guides. They have furthermore the function to cooperate with the sliding guide, and provide a low friction, and dimensionally accurate running of the flat rod. It is therefore important that the flat end head and the sliding guide are co-ordinated accurately with each other, so that the distance between the flat rod and the drum (between their respective clothing points) can be held within a predetermined range of tolerance.

[0005] Due to the sliding movement of the flat end head on the sliding guide, the sliding guide and/or the sliding surface of the flat end head are subjected to wear. The wear of the sliding guide or the sliding surface of the flat end heads is essentially a question of the applied material combination. The wear can also be reduced and/or minimized by the application of lubrication devices (e.g. oil lubrication).

[0006] The sliding guide on the card is traditionally made of cast iron. The latest state of the art, for example according to EP 620 296 or EP 361 219, discloses sliding guides with sliding strips made of polymer material. The latter disclosure does not disclose which type of material is being used for the flat end head. EP 620 296 discloses cast iron or stable metal for the flat end heads. Beside these materials, furthermore, solid steel (U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,573) or aluminium/aluminium alloy (U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,266) are specified for the manufacturing of the flat end heads. In these patent specifications, however, no specifications are given concerning the material for the sliding guide.

[0007] In order to increase the gliding ability of these flat end heads, according to the state of the art, guiding shoes are also being provided which are attached to the flat end head. U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,266 for example, shows a flat shoe which, if necessary, is interchangeable. However, this flat shoe is pushed onto the flat head by shifting it in axial direction and by attaching it by means of clips. A disadvantage of this solution is the extraordinary effort required during the replacement of the flat shoes. The play in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flat rod, which is necessary for sliding the flat shoe onto the flat rod, is disadvantageous for the accurate allocation of the flat rod with respect to the drum.

[0008] Other examples of guiding shoes are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,266, wherein as material for the guiding shoe phosphorus/bronze or a polymer material, for example MoS2/Nylon or a combination containing PTFE, are being suggested. Pat. No. DE 198 34 893 discloses a polymer material guiding shoe, for example, made of polyamide.

[0009] In practice guiding shoes are also glued. Not only are the additional expenditures to replace the old guiding shoe and to remove the adhesive material disadvantageous, but also, when adhering the new shoe, the adhesive material can smear, which can substantially impair the flat rod in its function. Only a very precise job can prevent these irregularities, this requires, however, a substantial additional extra effort.

[0010] In summary, for the present flat-rods, flat-end-heads are applied which are made of steel or cast iron and which are partially provided with guiding shoes. Although this combination is sufficient for the requirements of the flat rods, this is yet disadvantageous for the manufacturing. Depending on the type of frame, approximately 100 flat rods are used on a machine. Each additional component on a complete flat rod increases the production costs.

[0011] It is the object of the invention to optimise the flat end head by considering the material combination and the problem described above.

[0012] One solution according to the invention provides a one-piece flat end head made of a polymer material.

[0013] Internal research revealed that with the material combination of cast iron/polymer material similar wear mechanisms take place as in a material combination steel/polymer.

[0014] For the solution according to the invention, above all, a sliding guide made of cast iron or steel is preferred. Sliding guides made entirely or partially of a polymer material could also serve as sliding partners for a flat end head made of a polymer material, as is suggested in this invention.

[0015] A flat end head consists of several sections: the first section is responsible for the mounting with the flat rod, the second section consists of the actual head which rests on the sliding guide and which comprises additional respective sliding surfaces. One of these sections could additionally be provided with a device for the mounting of the endless component.

[0016] As basis for the flat end head, the following polymer material is preferably used:

[0017] a material from the group of polyamides, for example polyamide 66;

[0018] a material from the group of the polyoxymethylene (POM). The homo-polymers (POM-H) and co-polymers (POM-C) can both be used according to the invention. Examples are Delrin® or Hostaform®.

[0019] a material from the group of the terephthalates, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) or polybutylenterephthalate (PBTP).

[0020] a material from the group of the polyetheretherketones (PEEK);

[0021] or a material from the group of the polyimides (PI), for example polyamidimide (PAI).

[0022] A further solution according to the invention provides fibre reinforcement for the polymer material. Thus the strength of the flat end head can be increased. The contact point between the mounting section and the actual head is subjected to several forces during the operation of the revolving flat. The flat rod is only carried by its flat end heads. In order to ensure an accurate dimensional guidance, these flat end heads may not deflect. Additionally they are also subjected to torsion loads by the lateral movement of the flat rods by means of the drive component. A torsion of the material would likewise negatively affect the dimensionally accurate guidance.

[0023] An additional aspect is that the entire flat end head is made of a material which is subjected to wear. The selected synthetic material can thereby penetrate to the surface of the sliding surface. Abrasive fibres could then cause an unwanted abrasion on the sliding guide. According to the invention, preferably carbon fibres (for example PAN-Fibre®) or aramide fibres (polyamidimide fibres, for example Kevlar®) are used.

[0024] A mixture of both fibres could also be used. Above all, since the aramide fibres have a more favourable wear characteristic in relation to the sliding partners and the carbon fibres achieve a better strength. Through a combination an optimal solution will result.

[0025] For the required strength a total fibre portion of 5-60 weight percentages, preferably 30-50 weight percentages is required. If not stated otherwise, the weight percentage, in the entire disclosure, is always calculated with respect to the end weight. In the case of a mixture of aramide fibres and carbon fibres, an aramide fibre portion of a minimum of 10 weight percentages is preferred.

[0026] A further solution according to the invention is a flat end head made of a polymer material with a solid lubricant additive. Tests showed that not every combination that is made of a basis polymer material and a solid lubricant on cast iron show an optimal gliding ability and lubrication characteristic. Preferred combinations are shown in table 1, whereat in column 1 again the preferred groups of basis polymer materials are being specified and in column 2 the preferred solid lubricants which proved to be most suitable for the function of the flat end.

[0027] In order to attain the desired sliding characteristics 1-15 weight percentages of solid lubricants are required, preferably 5-12 weight percentages; most preferably 8-11 weight percentages. With molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and polysiloxan, lower quantities of solid lubricants are already sufficient, preferable for these 2 solid lubricants are 1-6 weight percentages, preferably 1-3 weight percentages, for example 2 weight percentages. TABLE 1 Preferred combinations of basis polymer material and solid lubricant Basis polymer material Lubricant I. Polyamide PA a. PTFE (fibre or powder) b. Polysiloxan (Silicon) c. Graphite d. Polyethylene e. Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) II. Polyoxymethylene POM a. Polysiloxan (Silicon) b. PTFE (fibre or powder) III. Terephthalate a. PTFE (powder or fibre) IV. Polyetheretherketone PEEK a. PTFE (powder or fibre) V. Polyimide PI a. PTFE (powder or fibre) b. Graphite c. MoS2

[0028] The flat end heads can be manufactured by way of injection moulding technique.

[0029] For the even application of a complete set of flat rods on the drum, the flat rods and flat end heads are often treated after they have been assembled. With the selected combinations of the materials, milling or grinding of the sliding surface is possible.

[0030] By way of the figures the invention is described in more detail, wherein show

[0031]FIG. 1 a schematic illustration of the flat end head in the card;

[0032]FIG. 2 a schematic illustration of the flat end head on the sliding guide;

[0033]FIG. 3 a bottom view of the flat end head;

[0034]FIG. 4 a side view of the flat end head;

[0035]FIG. 5 a bottom view of the flat end head with grooves for the removal of dirt;

[0036]FIG. 6 a side view of a flat end head with grooves for the removal of dirt;

[0037]FIG. 7 a method and a device to exchange the flat end heads.

[0038]FIG. 1 shows how the flat end head co-operates with the flat rod and the sliding guide on a card. The flat rod is formed by a hollow profile, a part of which serves as mounting means for the flat end head. The flat end head (1) is slid into the flat rod (8) up to the stop. With the sliding surfaces (2) the flat end head, together with the flat rod, rests on the sliding guide (6). (In FIG. 2 this is shown from the side of the tambour and it can clearly be recognized that the sliding guide, in the form of an arc, follows the curvature of the drum.). The carding gap (12) is the distance between the clothing (11) of the flat rod and the clothing (10) of the drum (9). This is to be dimensionally accurate.

[0039]FIGS. 3 and 4 show the flat end head in detail. A flat end head consists of several sections: the first section is responsible for the mounting with the flat rod (1), the second section consists of the actual head (5) which rests on the sliding guide and which is additionally provided with respective sliding surfaces (2). One of the two sections could also be furnished additionally with a provision for the mounting of the endless component, for example a recess (3) within the actual head.

[0040]FIGS. 5 and 6 show the same flat end heads as FIGS. 3 and 4. In this example it is, however, suggested to have said sliding surfaces, favourably and according to the invention, furnished with at least one, preferably several cleaning slots (4). These cleaning slots have the task to remove contaminations which were deposited on the sliding surface, or to remove or collect them. The cleaning slots are dimensioned with a sufficient depth so that they can take up all contaminations until they are brushed during the cleaning of the flat.

[0041] The cleaning slots in addition are provided with a sufficient depth, whereby sand grains or other contaminations do not have any further contact with the mating surface, i.e. the sliding guide. Thus it is possible to remove the contaminations without damaging or scratching the sliding guide or the sliding surface of the flat end head. Thus an even surface of the sliding guide is ensured and, as a consequence, an even wear of the sliding surface. For a firm positioning of the flat head within the flat rod according to the invention, a profile (17) can be attached on the mounting element of the flat end head, for example raised longitudinal strips on at least one longitudinal side, (see FIGS. 4 and 5, (17)). This profile has the function to neutralize inaccuracies within the hollow profile of the flat rod through counter pressure and increase of the clamping force of the flat end head within the flat rod.

[0042]FIG. 7 shows schematically a device for the replacement of the flat end head. This device consists of:

[0043] stop blocks (15 or 16), whose function it is to hold the flat rod in its position during the disconnection or the mounting of the flat end head;

[0044] means with which the flat end head can be secured, for example a holder which fits into the recess (FIG. 1, (3)). This serves both for the mounting and for the dismounting.

[0045] a piston or a cylinder unit (13) which generates a force in the required direction, while one of the stop blocks ((15) for the dismounting and (16) for the mounting) is provided to generate a counter acting force.

[0046] According to the invention at least one stop block is being required.

[0047] Dismounting is effected in that the cylinder (13) moves away from the flat rod in longitudinal direction, whereby the holder (14) secures the flat end head and pulls this out of the hollow profile. In order to ensure that the flat rod is not also pulled along with the flat end head, a stop block (15) restricts the path.

[0048] Mounting is effected in that the cylinder or piston (13), with the new flat end head secured via the holder, moves towards the flat rod and thus presses the flat end head into the hollow profile of the flat rod up to the stop. The stop block (16) in this case prevents the flat rod from being pushed away. According to the invention, rounding of the edges and chamfering of the flat end head can simplify this process.

Reference List

[0049] mounting element of the flat end head

[0050] sliding surface of the flat end head

[0051] recess for the mounting of the drive component

[0052] cleaning groove for the dirt elimination

[0053] support part of the flat end head

[0054] sliding guide (also called flexible bend or flex-bend)

[0055] guide grooves

[0056] flat rod

[0057] drum

[0058] clothing of the drum

[0059] clothing of the flat rod

[0060] carding gap

[0061] cylinder

[0062] fixture

[0063] stop block for the dismounting

[0064] stop block for the mounting 

1. Flat end head with a mounting section for the flat rod and at least one sliding surface for the movement on a sliding guide of a card, characterized in that the flat end head consists of polymer material.
 2. Flat end head according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat end head is made as a one-piece part.
 3. Flat end head according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the flat end head is manufactured by way of injection moulding technique.
 4. Flat end head according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting section comprises an oblong component which can be slid into a mounting part of the flat rod.
 5. Flat end head according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one longitudinal side of the mounting section comprises an elevated profile.
 6. Flat end head according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding surface comprises at least one cleaning groove.
 7. Flat end head according to claim 6, characterized in that the cleaning groove is arranged inclined in relation to the direction of travel, preferably at an angle of 30°.
 8. Flat end head according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymer material is fibre-reinforced.
 9. Flat end head according to claim 8, characterized in that for the fibre reinforcement at least one of the following fibres, that is, that carbon fibres, aramide fibres are used.
 10. Flat end head according to claim 9, characterized in that the portion of aramide fibres, in a fibre mixture, amounts to at least 10 weight percentages.
 11. Flat end head according to claims 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that for the fibre reinforcement 5 to 60 weight percentages of synthetic material are used.
 12. Flat end head according to claim 11, characterized in that for the fibre reinforcement 30 to 50 weight percentages of synthetic material are used.
 13. Flat end head according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymer material is selected from a material of the group of the polyamides.
 14. Flat end head according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the polymer material is selected from a material of the group of the polyoxymethylene.
 15. Flat end head according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the polymer material is selected from a material of the group of the terephthalate.
 16. Flat end head according to claim 15, characterized in that this polymer material is selected preferably from polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylenterephthalate.
 17. Flat end head according to claim 1 to 12, characterized in that the polymer material is selected from a material of the group of the polyetheretherketone.
 18. Flat end head according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the polymer material is selected from a material of the group of the polyimides.
 19. Flat end head according to claim 18, characterized in that this polymer material is selected from polyamidimide.
 20. Flat end head according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymer material contains a solid lubricant.
 21. Flat end head according to claim 20, characterized in that the solid lubricant consists of at least one of the following materials, that is, polytetrafluorethylene, graphite, polyethylene, molybdenum disulphide, polysiloxan.
 22. Flat end head according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the amount of solid lubricant amounts to 1 to 15 weight percentages.
 23. Flat end head according to claim 22, characterized in that the amount of solid lubricant amounts to 5 to 12 weight percentages polytetrafluorethylene, graphite or polyethylene.
 24. Flat end head according to claim 23, characterized in that the amount of solid lubricant amounts to 8 to 11 weight percentages polytetrafluorethylene, graphite or polyethylene.
 25. Flat end head according to claim 22, characterized in that the amount of solid lubricant amounts to 1 to 3 weight percentages polysiloxan or molybdenum disulphide.
 26. Card with a sliding guide on which a multiplicity of flat rods are led and which comprise two flat end heads each, which are connected with the flat rod and which, during operation of the card, together with the flat rod, slide over the sliding guide, characterized in that the flat end head is formed according to one or several of the preceding claims.
 27. Card according to claim 26, characterized in that the sliding guide consists of a polymer material.
 28. Card according to claims 26 or 27, characterized in that the sliding guide contains a solid lubricant.
 29. Device for the mounting and dismounting of the flat end heads which, in accordance with claims 1 to 25, are formed on the flat rod, characterized in that said device is provided with means to secure the flat end head, a means in order to have a force act in the longitudinal direction of the flat bar axis and a means in order to fixedly position the flat rod.
 30. Method for the mounting of the flat end heads which, in accordance with claim 1 to 25 are formed on the flat rod, characterized in that the flat rod is fixedly held, while a force pushes the flat end head, which is secured, in the longitudinal direction into the flat rod, up to the stop.
 31. Method for the dismounting of the flat end heads which, in accordance with claim 1 to 25 are formed on the flat rod, characterized in that the flat rod is fixedly held, while a force pulls the flat end head in the longitudinal direction out of the flat rod.
 32. Method for the mounting of the flat end heads which, in accordance with claim 1 to 25 are formed on the flat rod, characterized in that the fastening of the flat end head with the flat rod is formed by a press fit. 